As each scrapbook and personal card is crafted careful attention is placed on the amount and type of embellishment used.  Judicious care should be directed in the construction of your project.  Consider the gathering of photographs focused on your theme or subject; identify a focus or specific theme for your project; make a careful selection of the colors you plan to use;  the appropriate paper or card stock to be used should be ordered around your theme and color scheme.  Lastly, direct your attention to the types and quantity of embellishments you feel you need to complete your page or card.

When selecting your embellishments take into account these three elements:  1) Can I make it myself, or do I have to purchase it?  2) Is there an item I can use that has another purpose, but would work well for my project?  3) What embellishment best meets my need that has been produced for that purpose?

When selecting things that you make or has been manufactured for another purpose, be sensitive to the item’s thickness.  As a general rule, try not to use things thicker than a 1/4″.  Eliminate pointed aspects of the item to keep them from harming your page or card–poking holes in them.  Standing your completed scrapbooks up will help keep unwanted weight from becoming a damaging agent.

Also, be aware that things made for another purpose may be harmful to your project because of acid or lignin.  These selected items need to be neutralized wrapping them in plastic or putting them in small plastic bags will help.

The first rule in the use of embellishments is:  “a little goes a long way.”  Over use of embellishments can cause clutter, create a page or card that looks too busy or garish.  Keep in mind the photo is the prime element of scrapbooks, and the statement or quote is most important for a card . . . everything else should help accentuate them.

Below are some embellishments you may want to consider. This is not a comprehensive list, but one to get your creative mind going. They are not listed in any order of priority:

	Brads Brads come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. They can easily add a touch of elegance to pages and cards. They are easy to apply. Brads are often used to attach other items to your cards and pages as well as for their pure decorative value. See article on “Brads” for more helpful information.
	Buttons (and sewing notions)  Buttons need no introduction. We all use them–mostly for clothing–each and every day. Given the vast array of variety, sizes and colors available, they make a great addition to scrapbook pages and cards. See article on “Buttons” for more helpful information.
	Chalk (or Pastels)  What a great way to add color, texture and some depth to your paper projects. They can be used as accent or shading to die-cuts and letters. Chalk can liven up otherwise dull looking elements. One thing to be aware of when using chalk is that it can be messy. Be sure to use a clean area, and be sure to clean the area thoroughly after use or you’ll add chalk to other projects where you may not have wanted it. See article on “Chalk” for more helpful information.
	Charms Charms like buttons and brads can add variety and interest to your cards and scrapbook pages. These little tidbits come in a vast array of subject material–finding one that meet a theme can be just the ticket you need to say something or add emphasis. Charms are small machine pressed imprints of items. Some are painted to add detail or emphasis. Most have a small hole so they can be attached to bracelets or necklaces, but today, many are produce exclusively for the paper crafter. Charms can be attached to your project with glue dots, or maybe a brad, or stitched . . . to this end you can be a bit creative. Like the warning giving so often when adding things to a scrapbook page, be sure the item is acid free–doesn’t have sharp points or edges which could damage your pages. Take the necessary precautions to protect your project from these potential problems.
	Die-cuts If you want a quick infusion of interest and focus on your card or scrapbook page you should use die-cuts. Die-cuts are available in thematic packets, individually or you can have your own cut at your favorite scrapbook store. For those who are believers in the value of die-cuts, and who have the capital resource, will be investors in a personal die-cut machine. There are several different models in various price ranges available to the paper crafter. Die-cuts can be made from various materials–mostly card stock–but there are other mediums you can use.
	Eyelets Eyelets are little rings generally made from metal provide both a visual touch on their own, or can be used as holes to thread other material such as yarn or ribbon through. Eyelets come in the colors of the metals they are made from (typically aluminum or brass), or they may be color coated. These decorative facets can also be used to attach other elements to personal cards and scrapbook pages. Eyelets do need to be set and may require the use of a setter to bend the flanges back to secure them to your project.
	Fabric Fabric, like buttons, is something you see every day. Using fabric with your personal cards and scrapbooks can add texture, dimension, focus, elegance and warmth to name a few attributes. The only additional tools needed to work with fabric are spray adhesive or iron-on transfer paper and scissors or pinking shears (to help keep ends from fraying). What fabrics can you use? Try denim, satin, corduroy, twill, linen, tulle, burlap, leather, cotton in a myriad of patterns. You can attach your fabric with eyelets, brads, stitching, spray adhesive or iron-on transfer paper. With shear or transparent fabric you may have to experiment on attaching to your projects, but spray adhesive may be your best bet. What can you do with fabric to spice up your scrapbook pages and personal cards? Consider sewing items on your fabric; Use iron on transfers to add a touch of something to your fabric, or in place of putting it through your printer; tear sections into strips; use them as photo corners; add words–stencils, hand written, rub-ons, stamp or print; use fabric as a stencil backing that can be seen through cut out openings; you can stamp or paint images or lettering on the fabric; make die-cut or punched images or create your own tags. These are just a few ideas to help you consider ways to use fabric. Fabric will give you a means of adding several elements to your pages and cards. Your own creativity will be a big boost to your finished products.
	Fiber Fibers, like fabric and buttons, can provide you with an added dimension to your cards and pages. They are varied and versatile. Consider yarns, string, waxy flax or linen, embroidery thread, fancy fibers, cording, etc. The various colors and textures of these fibers will add utility and dimension to any paper craft project. Fibers can be single strands from wide woven fabric. What are some of the ways you can use fibers in your scrapbook and card projects? Consider using them as borders on photos and other embellishments; as a means of creating a dangling effect–like hanging charms; stitching around items or attaching other embellishments; sew on fancy buttons, or add beads and sequins threaded on fiber; make decorative bows; lace through pre-punched holes. Fibers can be affixed to your projects by stitching, weaving, wrapped around eyelets and brads, and with adhesive or glue dots. Any way you use fiber you will find a fun and easy way to add texture and interest to your scrapbook and cards.
	Flowers Flowers are such a natural addition that can add a touch of elegance to any scrapbook or card project. The first impression would be to use real flowers. They are delicate and will dry out. Dried flowers are even more delicate, and will require some extra care and attention when using them. Putting them in plastic will help keep any material that may break-off from going all over your page or book. Also, the plastic will help eliminate the worry about damage to your pages from the lignin which plants are made of. Use flowers wisely. When project’s layout calls for flowers you may want to consider using silk ones. Silk flowers will get rid of most of the problems noted above. You may also want to consider paper flowers. They can be purchased or you can make your own.
	Hardware Store Things The hardware store has a lot of “non-traditional” things you could use in your card and scrapbook layouts. Consider sandpaper to give the appearance of sand. Washers–painted or plain–offer a variety of uses where circles may be needed. Wire or plastic mess or screening. Plastic electrical tape in various colors. Wire–steel, aluminum or copper–coated or uncoated. These suggestions should get your creative mind going . . . hardware stores have a lot to offer in this non-traditional effort.
	Metal Be sure to take advantage of metal in your card and scrapbook layouts. Metal can be in many different forms from sheets: aluminum foil, steel, copper are the most common, but others can be used. There are many high quality die-cast embellishments you can purchase through your favorite scrapbook outlet. When using metal sheets, be aware that thin sheets can be torn . . . while thicker sheets can be sharp or too heavy if you use too much. Where the material is sharp you may consider bending over the edges or sanding them with emery cloth.
	Office Supplies When cost is a serious consideration, you may want to check out your local office supply store. These outlets have a number of items you could use in your card and scrapbook efforts. Things like: paper clips–including colors and various sizes; staples (in colors); address labels–self adhesive and in different sizes (great for journal entries); tags–in various sizes; brads; small envelopes (make great pockets).
	Paper One of the most versatile elements you can use for embellishing your scrapbook pages and personal cards is paper. Paper comes in many different weights (thickness); textures and certainly colors. Consider crape paper, tissue paper, corrugated paper (cardboard), card stock, etc. Add a pair of scissors or a die-cutter and you have an almost limitless array of opportunities–along with your own creative juices. You can cut, tear, shred, color, layer, etc. paper to give you unique pieces to add to your pages and cards. You can layer paper or add shading with paper. Let your creative imagination go wild!
	Punches Punches are simply single purpose small die-cuts. They come in a wide array of shapes–some are big, some smaller. Punches can be used for borders or as free standing elements. Small scraps of paper that otherwise might be thrown away can be used to make cut-outs. Punches can be used two ways: 1) from the punched out piece being affixed to your card or page; 2) the punched out design in the page or card (add a color backing for an additional affect). See article on “Scrapbooking Punches” for more information.
	Ribbon Ribbon can be used in a number of different ways–similar to those for fiber noted above. The finished nature of ribbon can give a little touch of elegance to your project. The right type and color of ribbon can equally give a more masculine look. An extra wide ribbon can be punched for the benefits noted in the “punches” ideas–either for the punched item or for the punched hole affect.
	Rub-ons Rub-on or transfers as they are sometimes referred to are similar to stickers. They started out as alphabet transfers; phrases came next, and graphic designs were added. So now rub-ons come in a wide array of choices for varied uses in your scrapbook and personal card creations. The prime differences are in their application and permanency. Rub-ons are hard to remove once you’ve applied them to your project–covering them with something else is a good way to hide a rub-on mistake. Like stickers, rub-ons have an adhesive backing, but are applied by rubbing over the item with a stylus (a Popsicle stick is ofter used as the stylus). They can be used on most any clean flat surface . . . textured surfaces may cause distortion to the look of the transfer. Rub-ons (alphabetical and word phrases) are often used for page titles, or in place of hand written journal entries. Don’t be shy in trying something new. They are a great help to scrappers who take the time to used them, and they’re not overly expensive compared to other embellishments. To help eliminate errors from rubbing a part of an unwanted transfer from a sheet (usually how they are produced), before transferring, cut the desired item from the sheet–ensuring both the backing and overlay are cut at the same time. Then rub-on the individual item to your project.
	Rubber Stamps Rubber stamps are another of the very versatile tools available to scrapbook and personal card crafters to help provide exciting embellishments. Crafters can purchase ready made stamps in a wide variety of designs, or you can have personally designed stamps fabricated for your use. Using rubber stamps is easy. Simply load or our rubber stamp with a thin layer of ink or Acrylic paint (the most preferred medium now) using a foam paintbrush (or a clean make-up sponge). Inks come in a wide broad range of colors. Stamp pads are not the preferred method because you don’t often get a fully loaded or covered stamp. A poorly layered stamp will provide a poor result–one lacking detail and clarity. Once the stamp is adequately inked press the stamp straight down on your project with firm even pressure, and lift straight up after the impression has been affixed to your page or card. Rocking your stamp as you lift it off will give the stamp a slight distressed look–you may want that. After each use be sure to thoroughly clean your stamp pad. This allows you to use your stamp with new colors and with out ink build-up which can cause poor future impression and add color you may not want on other impressions. See article on “Basics of Rubber Stamping” for more helpful information.
	Stitching Stitching is a fantastic way to add a special look to your cards and scrapbook pages. Crafters can hand stitch their projects or use a craft sewing machine. Stitching can be done with thread, embroidery thread, waxy flax, fancy fibers and ribbon (small sizes usually). Hand stitching may require pre-punching or piercing your project to allow the fiber material to be sewn. Stitching is most often used to border or outline other elements. It can also be used to attach items to your pages and cards. See article on “Hand Stitching Scrapbook Pages” for more helpful information and“Machine Stitching Scrapbook Pages”
	Stickers Stickers have become one of the favorite embellishments for paper crafters. They are readily available in a myriad of colors, shapes and sizes. If you needed to, you could create your own, but their is a probably a commercially produced one already available. Stickers come in sheets, rolls and individually. Using stickers is a simple as finding the sticker you want or need peeling it from its backing and placing it where you want it on your project. Most stickers are forgiving and will allow you to lift and replace them as needed. Their versatility of use only requires a bit of a creative mind. See article on “A Scrapbook Sticker Technique To Use” for more helpful information.
	Tags Tags are a draw from shipping tags found at the office supply store. Tags can be found in many shapes and sizes. They can be hand made–best with the help of a template, or purchased from your local paper-craft store. Scrapbook crafters have a number of innovative ways to used them. Here are a few suggestions: As a photo mat if the tag is large enough for the photo; One of the most used ideas is as a journal medium–including stuffing them in a pocket as a hidden journal note; As a title with the addition of other embellishments; When arranged properly they can be a unique border to a page or an element on a page; Use them as a quote caption; Mini-scrapbooks could be made from them; For the card makers in the crowd, you could create a personal card from a tag. See article on “Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Tags” for more information.
	Templates Templates are a useful tool when creating your scrapbook pages or personal cards. The template is a “blueprint” for what you want your page to look like, and how the page is laid out. They are a guide to follow. You can make your own template or utilize the designs created by others. Templates are also useful in making elements for your project–tags, photo frames, embellishments, cards, etc. These templates help you follow a pattern to make your item. Each succeeding items created from your template should be identical.
	Wood/Chipboard Chipboard and pressed wood are useful in scrapbook designs because they are thicker material and present a nice dimensional look. Most often you find these items already die-cut and ready to use. Some tags come ready to use with adhesive already on their backs. Another nice feature about them is they can be larger in size because of their thickness. They are durable and less flexible. Wood and chipboard that has not been produced with a design–called “naked”–can be made into most anything you would like. They can be die-cut, but require equipment designed to handle these thicker pieces. You can paint or cover them in many different material. They can be attached with glue, large stapes, brads and eyelets. Chipboard and wood present a great way to expand your embellishing efforts. For information on die cut machines see article on “Scrapbook Die Machine – Cut and Embossing” for more information.

Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Embellishment is a post from: ezscrap.net

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Courtesy SRM Stickers

No scrapbook is complete without the addition of well thought out touches of color, accents or embellishment and some chosen journal words. Otherwise you just have a plain old bland looking photo album. Scrapbook crafters are all about providing those special touches to their pages to give feeling, dimension and tell a story along with the photographs.

Each scrapbook page is unique in their stories. The addition of embellishments certainly helps bring them to life. Personal cards, too, say something special with the right embellishments and comment(s). You can easily buy hundreds of embellishments from professional producers at your favorite craft or scrapbook supply store. The real creme de la creme embellishments are those created by your own hands.

Handcrafted embellishments are well thought out additions to your project–along with your page’s basic layout. The selected pictures are there to help tell your story. The words you choose to journal have personal meaning. These aspects of your crafting a scrapbook page or a personal card are priceless. Many handmade elements you add or use in your page or card creations don’t take a great deal of effort or expense. In fact the expense part may be one of the real benefits because you can, and should, use leftovers and other things about your house and craft area.

Courtesy Sherry Cheever - sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

Courtesy My Mommy's Bracelets

Consider some of these items as you look at adding those special treatments to your pages and cards. These special items can add a touch of elegance where needed, or give the page some levity or whimsical flare . . . you’re the judge: yarn (knitted or crocheted items), lace, beads, ribbon, paper, silk or plastic flowers (don’t forget dried flowers–but remember they’re very dedicated, so use some of the more hardy items like leaves and stems, etc.). Be sure to check your magazines for pictures, letters and phrases. Certainly this list is not all inclusive, but a guide to get your creative juices flowing. Maybe a bit of your own art work (see article on “Theorem Painting with Scrapbook Pages”) or tole painting.

When considering creating your own embellishments–especially for scrapbooks–be sure the items you use are acid and lignin free. You don’t want your creative enhancements to be harmful to your pages. Also be sensitive to sharp or jagged edges which can cut your pages and cards, and items of extra thickness. You want to make your pages uniform in their look and thickness where possible.

Use good judgment and remember that a lot goes a long ways. Don’t try to over due any page with accents that over whelm or detract from your overall page’s theme and feeling . . . that said, hand made embellishments add a great deal of feeling and focus. Use them wisely because they’re “one of a kind.”

Here are some more examples of handmade embellishments you could consider making and using yourself.

Simple Scrapbook Tecniques – Handmade Embellishments is a post from: ezscrap.net

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Sanding is a simple inexpensive yet very effective way to add a worn or aged look to your scrapbook pages.  With the aid of an abrasive such as sandpaper, sanding block, emery board, wire brush and steel wool you can create a totally different look to an embellishment or space on your scrapbook page.  You also may want to consider using a distressing tool like Imaginisce’s d-stress cordless hand-held sanding tool.

Like many techniques scrapbook crafters can and do use, limiting them to a few pages enhances there usefulness.  Over doing one technique can reduce the desired affect you are seeking to get.

Sanding offers a quick and easy way to make a new item or element look old, worn and used.  You add a dullness, a softening and aging to an otherwise new item.  This change of texture on paper or an embellishment can create an awesome feeling of nostalgia.

With little effort you can create new looks on such items as: photos,  chipboard, paper, card stock, metal and other embellishments.   A few rubbing strokes on these elements can do wonders to their overall look.

To get that distressed look all you need to do is begin by lightly rubbing your desired element with your choice of  abrasive–some experimentation may be needed to ensure the abrasive you use gives the desired affect you’re after.

Sanding can be a messy task as you remove color and material from your objects.  You should work in an area away from your scrapbook pages so the unwanted removed material doesn’t get on your pages.  Cover the work area where you do your sanding with paper to help in keeping the work area clean.

As you use this simple technique try or experiment with different abrasives and materials to be sanded.  Try using different ways of sanding:  against the grain, circular or directional (all in the same direction or across–in two directions at ninety degree angles).  With sandpaper and steel wool try different coarseness of each to see their individual benefits.

Cardstock Before Sanding

Cardstock After Sanding

Areas that can be rubbed or sanded might include: edges of paper, card stock (try color core) and photos; stickers and embellishments; lettering, patterned paper.  Always begin your sanding on a lighter basis first and heavier as you try to get the look you are after.

This sanding technique works equally well on personal cards  and invitations you may also be creating.

Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Sanding is a post from: ezscrap.net

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• Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Tags
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  What is a “topper” you may ask–simply put: the notation or title you make for your scrapbook page.  A good topper will set the tone...

What is a “topper” you may ask–simply put: the notation or title you make for your scrapbook page.  A good topper will set the tone for your entire page.  Before anything is viewed one can determine what your theme is for the page from your topper.

Toppers are frequently, and more easily, provided by  using a professionally produced rub-on, clip art, or other embellished statement.  There is nothing wrong with using one of these store bought helps.

However, a topper which is hand made often speaks as much about the creator of the page as it does about the page’s theme itself.  A well handcrafted topper or title to your scrapbook page can become an additional accent of it’s own.

What differentiates a topper from a page title?  Well, a page title is simply a descriptive notation of your pages theme.  A topper, on the other hand, is both descriptive and decorative.  Some additional creativity and art goes into a good topper.  Toppers easily add a flare or sense of elegance to your pages.  They may be whimsical, formal or something in between.

Free hand toppers allow you to show your artistic talents–we all have them, some more so than others, but we all have them.  These hand created (in many cases just lettered) toppers don’t have to be elaborate.

When creating a free hand topper begin doing so as part of your pages layout before you begin cutting and pasting photos and embellishments.  Determine what your topper will say–your title, and where at the top of your page you it will be located.

Lightly rough-in or sketch what you topper will say and how it will look using a pencil.  Light pencil marks can be removed later.  Be sure to leave ample space between letters if you plan to use block style lettering.  Once you are comfortable with your design or topper creation, using markers, paint, etc. outline and  fill in the  areas where you want color and definition.  You can use any of your embellishing techniques to help, such as adding glitter, etc.  You be the judge on how you want your topper to be decorated.  Once you have completed the stylish decoration of your topper you can erase any pencil marks you don’t want to show.

You could use a stencil or template to cut out the letters and designs you want to use for your topper.  You can also simply trace them onto your page.  Color and/or decorate them as you wish.  Affix them to your page in a formal order or a random order.

Like many new techniques you may try, you may want to do a dry run on a scrap piece of paper to help you learn and visualize what you can and can not do to create your topper.

You’ll find fun and a special feeling for your custom/hand crafter scrapbook page toppers.  You can use commercial titles too, but your own creations will always standout more!

Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Custom Made Toppers/Titles is a post from: ezscrap.net

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• Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Tags
    The use of tags has become a chosen embellishment for use on scrapbook pages by many scrapbook crafters.  Tags represent a great way to...

The use of tags has become a chosen embellishment for use on scrapbook pages by many scrapbook crafters.  Tags represent a great way to extend and enhance the function ability of your pages.  They can become their own mini-page on your page.  Tags allow for the addition of photographs, captions, decorative mats, journaling, page titles and much more . . . let your creative juices flow.

Tags can be purchased ready made, or you can cut them from templates–as well as create them freehand.  There are die-cuts too to help you make needed tags. They can be made from paper, wood, fabric, card stock, metal, sponge, press-board, or other craft materials you can easily cut.

Shapes of tags are primarily: rectangle, square, oval and round, but are not limited by these boundaries.  Your own imagination will create the right tag for the right project.  Tags can be various sizes: small, medium and large–depending on what your specific need is.  They should be so large as to overpower your page, however.

Pre-cut tags can be purchased and your favorite craft or scrapbook outlet, or from a supplier online.  There is a myriad of colors, shapes and sizes to choose from.  You’ll just have to do some looking.

Tags are easy to attach to your scrapbook page projects.  Use staples, fibers, ribbons and brads to name a few special ways to affix your tags to your pages.

You can keep them plain–for journaling, or gussy them up some to add to a photo you may be using, or as a simple embellishment of its own.  The uses for tags is limited mostly by your own imagination.

Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Tags is a post from: ezscrap.net

Creative scrapbook crafters are always looking for unique or different ways to spruce up their pages.  This may mean reaching outside the box as they say.  There are what are considered non-traditional materials one can use to add that little something to their pages.  Beads and jewels are one of these non-traditional elements you can use to bring a new or different look to your projects.

One of the drawbacks to using beads and jewels has to do with the bulk or thickness some beads and jewels have.  If you are looking to reduce this concern, select thinner items to complete your pages.  There is a plethora of beads and jewels to choose from.  Many craft stores have a large selection of material for you to select from.  Don’t forget the online options too.

Beads and jewels are produced in different materials: acrylic & plastic, glass, pearls, metal, shells, seeds and wood to name a few.  They are produced in different shapes and sizes: alphabet, charms, designer styles, gemstones, holiday & seasonal.  Beads and jewels come in varying colors as well.

Attaching them to your scrapbook pages is relatively easy.  Some of the beads and jewels have a sticky backing on one side which only requires peeling the backing off and placing the item where you’d like to be on your project.  Where there is no adhesive on the bead or jewel use glue dots or a double sided acid free tape to attach them to your page.

Because of the variety of shapes, sizes and colors of these non-traditional embellishments, you have the ability to use them where you want them–as an addition to another embellishment, or as individual independent touches.  As examples, you could use a gemstone as the center of a flower, or create a flower using various falter beads, etc.  Let your own creative juices guide you.

Here are a couple of online suppliers of beads and jewels:

Joann.com

Amazon.com

CreateforLess.com

Beadbee.com

Michaels.com

Using Beads & Jewels in Scrabooking is a post from: ezscrap.net

Let’s face it, taking photographs for inclusion in a scrapbook generally come from the regular snapshots we take a parties, gatherings and candid snaps as they occur.  There are times, however, when you want to have a really good picture of an individual that we might consider portrait quality.  Here are some tips to help you shoot some winning photographs you might consider a step above the regular shots you take at a birthday party.  These tips on lighting, backgrounds, and other important elements will help you take those special pictures.  Your photographs will help tell the story you want them to tell.

Have A Plan Of What You Want To Capture Before You Start

Know what you want to accomplish before you drag you camera out to begin taking your photos.  Ask yourself, what is the story I want to tell with these photographs–or this single snapshot.  This may give you ideas of how to have your subject dress, determine what props, if any, you think will help you tell your story.  You may have to try a couple different props, including familiar toys or objects which help identify who the subject is, and clothing outfits,  to see what works best to bring the beauty and identity of your subject.  Change them to find the one you feel works best for you project.  This extra effort can enhance your images and make them truly reflective of your subject person.

Use A Draped Background

A simple background set 3′ to 4′ behind your subject can help enhance your pictures.  You’re looking to create a photograph of your subject with the backdrop or background to make your subject the focus of your photo.  Use some plain cloth you may have around the house: sheets in various colors, blankets, tablecloths and large sheets of colored paper.  Use props available to you to help create some visual interest: a large easy chair, a sofa (you can drape your background between two chairs and shoot between them–or tack the backdrop material to a wall or in a doorway).  Outdoors you could use a child’s swing set to drape you cloth over, or a low hanging tree limb.

Use Natural Light As Much As Possible

Where possible, use natural light from windows, porches, garage entries, doorways or other areas where there is a sufficient splash of light.  North facing areas are a great natural light source that isn’t overly harsh.  Natural light creates wonderful highlights and special effects on faces.   The changing season also cast light that can provide exceptional differences in shadows and in skin tones on your subjects.   Eliminating the use of your flash can also craft some interesting and useful affects.

Have Your Subject Pose For Pictures

Some of your photo subjects will be “hams” and pose naturally, while others may need to be coached into the position or pose you’d like to photograph.  Simple and casual poses work well in general.  You should be willing to try some other poses–even silly ones to draw-out your subject’s personality.  This is a time and place in your shoot where you can have some fun.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Close-ups

Close-up are the cream in your shoots.  They may show feature flaws, but that is who they are.  Try to fill the frame with as much of the focus you wish to capture: face, eyes, hands, etc.  Close-ups give you the opportunity to capture the strongest features of your subjects.  This is another time when taking snaps of various features would be helpful, and then select the ones that tell your story.

Take Plenty of Pictures

Whether you use a digital or film camera be sure to take plenty of shots while you have your subject, background and light.  Try shooting different angels, poses, light sources (time of day for natural light), distances, and color (black and white or color).  Don’t be in a hurry.  Mother Nature didn’t create her masterpieces in a day, so don’t you try.  As you take your pictures you’ll grow in confidence and ability. . . mistakes afford you the opportunity to learn and grow in your skill.

Taking Scrapbook Portraits is a post from: ezscrap.net

Computer technology has brought forward the ability to marry pictures with graphic embellishments to make them more pleasing to view, and establish some meaningful organization–themed cataloging.  That is not to say that traditional scrapbooking has gone the way of the dinosaur.  What the computer provides is another medium to be able to generate enjoyable and pleasant photo-books or pages.

The cost to enjoy traditional scrapbooking has escalated over the years as new and exciting products and tools have been introduced.  There is also a significant time commitment when engaging in the traditional craft.  The computer has provided a lowering of the cost and time commitment, as well as providing easier and simpler ways to accomplish the same thing.

With the help of specialized computer programs like PhotoMix, a crafter can engage in scrapbooking using their computer to save both time and money.  With computer or digital scrapbooking you have no cutting or messing with tacky glues, and the clean-up is a snap.

Other worthwhile considerations for those inclined to do their scrapbooking with the help of their computer, the internet or online services should definitely consider Shutterfly.com.  They are equipped with a wide variety of opportunities to utilize and store your precious photos.

Scrapbooking should not be hindered by lack of opportunity, but only by lack of individual motivation.  You provide the motivation and photographs, and Shutterfly.com and Photomix will provide the other ingredients to help you complete a fantastic scrapbook.

Get going!

Digital Scrapbooking is a post from: ezscrap.net

Photographs are the foundation of scrapbooking.  If you’re not taking care of your photo prints, negatives and digital files, you are setting yourself up for future problems.

How many pictures have you sorted through that have been handed down to your trust and care through the years.?  Do you have the negatives?  Do you know who is in the picture?  Where was the snapshot taken, and what does it represent?  These are issues each scrapbooker deals with.  Are you keeping adequate records and notations on the photographs you have taken?

You plan to pass these precious treasures onto your posterity.  Will they find themselves in the same dilemma you were in.  Where you can you should sort, identify and catalog each of your pictures.

You want to store these same cherished memories in such a way as to perpetuate their use and enjoyment for many generations to come.  There are methods and processes to handle these concerns.

We have provided several articles to help in discussing these important aspects of your effort–to share and preserve this photographic legacy for you and others through time.

Here are the articles you should consider to help you along the way:

• Care and Handling of Photographs
• Photo CD/DVD Storage Life
• Photograph Storage
• Digital Picture Storage
• Digitize Your Photo Prints for Long-term Storage
• Scanning Your Photo Prints to Digitize Them for Long-term Storage
• Care and Storage of Photograph Film Negatives

Good luck as you go about presenting and preserving your photographs, negatives and digital photo files.

Long-term Care of Photo Prints or Negatives and Digital Files is a post from: ezscrap.net

Album after album, and box after box of printed photos are neatly stashed in your craft-room or on a closet shelf.  You may have vintage photographs with no negatives.  Is this best place to warehouse these precious clips of time?  Perhaps not, but they are easily accessible.  Assuming you have taken every precaution to ensure your snapshots have been placed in a cool, relatively dry and protected environment, you may still have problems protecting them for the long haul.

Our suggestion is you have them scanned for digital storage.  You can scan them yourself if you have a scanner, but the quality of the image may not be as good as one done by a scanning service.

There are a number of services available, and a quick web search will give you several to choose from.  You may even have a reliable source right in your own area.  You could check with most any reputable photograph store for suggestions and recommendations.

Two online services you may want to consider, but we have not as yet used, are:

ScanDigital.com

ScanCafe.com

Each of these have their strong suits.  The advantage to both is you end up with hard print photos in a digital format.    These digital files could then be uploaded to a service such as Shutterfly.com to store, and allow unique uses of future prints–including sharing them with others (family and friends).

Scan Photo Prints to Digitize Them For Long-term Storage is a post from: ezscrap.net